Do not use this company unless you are prepared to be ripped off!!! I don't usually write reviews but I feel strongly about the experience I had with them.\r
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I used Provident in December 2012 and had great customer service during the quote and booking process. I asked a ton of questions as I had been warned about ""extra"" charges that movers try to rip you off with at the very last minute when they are about to unload your belongings. I was pretty clear about all the costs. I have no problem in paying what's owed in full,as long as they are clear and up front about it so I can plan accordingly. The quote I had was for $320 but I ended up paying almost $750. \r
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When I asked for a quote, they included an elevator fee. Now, I'm not sure why Provident would be charging me to use an elevator in my old and new places when neither building management did. The person couldn't really explain why but when I pressed her for the rationale, she said she’d waive it. Now, if you use Provident, beware that you have to ask for the FEES (emphasis on plural) otherwise they just mean the fee for one elevator which I found out the hard way. Even with a written quote saying the elevator fee was waived, they were trying to charge me 2 fees on moving day just as they were about to unload the truck. My husband argued with them and they reversed one fee but they wouldn't budge on the other one and reduced it to $95. They claimed that they didn't tell me about both fees because Provident had no way to know that there would be elevators at both locations and it was up to me to tell them.\r
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The move itself went fine- the crew showed up on time and handled our belongings carefully and not one item was broken or damaged I have to say. The leader showed up and took a look around then went downstairs for about 40-45 min- probably talking to the management office on how to jack up the bill. I think they are trained to try to at least double what is on the quote by charging an exorbitant amount for materials if you have to buy them from the movers. For example, a mattress cover should cost about $10 at Home Depot but they charge something like $25 or $30 for plastic covers. The rate they charge for tape to tape up the furniture pads is also a total rip off but they’re trying to make up their revenue somehow. If you use Provident, do not purchase the materials or boxes from them if you can help it. Again, they seem to be trained to find extra things that they can charge you for but I think a lot of moving companies do this.\r
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When we got to the new place, the supervisor only then decided to show us the bill that we would have to pay in cash if we wanted them to unload the truck. He had added 2 elevator fees. He was very sneaky not to mention anything about this at the old place as he knew there would be an issue. He pulled a face and was rude when we took it out of his tip. I felt bad because the team worked hard but the company should understand that their underhandedness gets their customers very upset.\r
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At the end of the day, I overpaid by $95 for the second elevator fee which is not going to break the bank but it was charged in bad faith. When I finally got hold of the manager and asked for a refund, I was denied. I told him I didn't think it made sense to lose business and get negative reviews over $95 he threatened that if I did post something on line, they would send their lawyer after me. Check the BBB site for more complaints.\r
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